Alan Lambert Friedl
When he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma tumor on September 11, 2024, Alan knew the odds were against him, knowing fewer than half of similar patients survive a year after their diagnosis. Alan and his wife, Natalie, set themselves to the task of aggressive treatment while at the same time creating as many memories with their family and friends as possible.
After surgery and a course of
radiation concluded in December 2024, the tumor was undetectable, and Alan was
able to return to work. In January 2025, he also dragged his bum ankle across
the finish line of the Mangum Marathon, his tenth finish of a 26.2-mile
footrace. While it was far slower than his days of qualifying for the
prestigious Boston Marathon, this race was satisfying given all he had been
dealing with and served as an inspiration to many.
He recently taught his
daughter Felicity (16) how to drive and his son Kent (7) how to ride a bike,
rites of passage treasured by involved fathers. In March, Alan was in tears
watching Felicity brilliantly slay the lead role in Hopewell High School’s
production of Mamma Mia[1].
Watching ‘Titi’ blossom as a singer filled him with great pride and gave him
all the feels.
Alan loved sports teams from
Cleveland and The Ohio State University. He reveled in the Buckeye’s latest
national championship last January and was still well enough to root for them
as the fall 2025 season commenced. His relationship with his beloved Browns and
‘Tribe’ was equal parts committed and frustrated as they came up short year
after year. When the Cavaliers won the NBA title in 2016, Alan told his
brother, “I don’t know how to feel. I’ve dealt with so much losing and so many near
misses…but WINNING? I am having a hard time processing this!”
In May, the family learned
that tumor had returned, and Alan and Natalie knew time was growing short, so
they booked family trips to St. Lucia, Oak Island and Ohio. The photos and
memories from those trips are treasured. For the Ohio trip in July, local
friends contacted the Cleveland baseball team, and the family was fêted at a
game, complete with a jersey signed by a retired pitcher from the team[2].
Alan enjoyed time with
friends and family, whether it was celebrating his 50th birthday in
Vegas or hanging out in the backyard with a bonfire. In June, it was only
natural that his work friends arranged - what else? – a huge karaoke party in
his honor at Saeed’s in Cornelius, NC. Upwards of 80 showed up – including
several trekking from Ohio, to sing, laugh and share a smile and grab a selfie with
the guest of honor.
The youngest of five, Alan
was born on July 21, 1971 in Cleveland, Ohio to Dr. Alfred Friedl and the
former Phyllis Lambert. The family grew up in the tiny community of Rootstown,
which featured exactly one stoplight in those days. Alan attended Rootstown
High School, graduating in 1989. He earned all-league honors in track and cross
country. Highlights include breaking five minutes for the mile and competing at
the State Cross Country Championship meet.
A natural athlete, Alan was
a particularly avid softball player that loved to show off his range at the Hot
Corner by laying out to rob a hit or start a clutch double play. Even when
injuries (and Father Time) began to take their inevitable toll, his love for
just playing would win out over conventional wisdom recommending he back off or
sit out.
Alan attended Kent State
University, graduating in 1994 with a degree in Physical Education. At KSU, he
was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. After spending three years working
corporate jobs in Southern California, he returned to Kent State and earned a
Masters in Exercise Physiology. It was in Kent that he met Natalie Raiti, who
was earning her degree in education. The couple was married on July 14, 2006[3]
in the very beautiful St. Bernard Catholic Church in Akron, Ohio and then settled
in North Carolina where Natalie started her job as an Art Teacher at Torrance
Creek Elementary school in Huntersville.
Alan started his career at
the Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in the Cardiac Catheter lab. Over
the years he assisted in many heart surgeries, sharing his knowledge as a
supervisor and trainer. His colleagues universally noted his skill, but also
his abiding sense of humor and kindness. Alan was always ready with a pun or
dad joke[4].
Predeceased by his parents,
Alan is survived by his wife, Natalie, and their children Felicity and Kent,
and by his daughter Amanda Wescott (Kyle). He is survived by his mother-in-law,
Marge Raiti, whom Alan loved even though she insisted on rooting for the wrong
NFL team. He is also survived by his brothers Stephen (Jaimee) of Tustin,
California, Michael (Melissa) of Laguna Hills, California, and Jeffrey (Fumie)
of Kyoto, Japan, and by his sister, Marcina Kreta (Marty) of Bellingham,
Washington, and 6 nieces and nephews who knew Alan as the Fun Uncle.
He has also left behind
countless friends and colleagues who can’t help but smile when they think of
Alan and his silliness, but also his extraordinary capacity for kindness.
Something that there is just a little less of in the world with his passing.
Calling hours will be from
5:00 -7:00 PM Wednesday, September 24 at the James Funeral Home in Huntersville.
A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church in
Charlotte will take place at 3:00 PM on Thursday, September 25, followed by
burial at Northlake Memorial Gardens.
The family is grateful for
the support of their many friends, colleagues and caregivers during the past
year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Glioblastoma
Foundation.
[1]
Alan loved singing and was always game for karaoke. He famously sang at his own
wedding reception, with many chuckling at his choice of “Keep Your Hands to
Yourself” by the Georgia Satellites.
[2]
Alan was fully aware that the team had changed its name in 2021 but he would
never use the ‘g-word.’
[3]
Noting that they were married on 7/14, Alan and Natalie would greet each other
every morning and evening at exactly 7:14, noting “It’s 7:14!” followed by a
smooch.
[4]
When planning final arrangements in June, he greeted the funeral director by exclaiming,
“I’ve been dying to meet you!”
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